KBIS Review 2012

Once agian the City of Chicago welcomes KBIS, the industries premier kitchen and bath show. Designers, builders, architects, and many more gather at the McCormick Center to experience what is new and exciting.

Here are a few the most interesting things I saw today:

Best Bath Systems becomes the Exclusive distributor of the Award Winning Great Grabz Products.

Great Grabz LLC is thrilled to announce that Best Bath Systems will be the exclusive distributor of their award winning line of Decorative grabs bars and bath accessories. The 2 companies will also be partnering to bring new, innovative decorative shower systems, bathroom environments and accessories to the residential market, as well as senior living, hospitality and healthcare projects.

Abbie Sladick, President, started Great Grabz in Naples, Florida in 2004 when a remodeling client told her, “I would rather fall than have my friends think I have a grab bar!” Those words changed the world of Sladick, sending her on a journey to create stylish, safe and ADA compliant alternatives to the institutional looking grab bar. For the last 8 years, Great Grabz has been designing, manufacturing, and distributing safe and stylish grab bars and bathroom accessories in a variety of designer metallic finishes as well as optical grade acrylic and teak. Great Grabz can be found in hotels and senior living projects throughout North America, including Hyatt, Hilton, Disney, Hard Rock Casino and Marriott.

Sladick says, “Our new strategic partnership with Best Bath Systems will enable us to bring complete accessible bathroom environments to people of all ages and abilities who want style and safety. Design Professionals will now have innovative products to specify that are aesthetically pleasing. Designers will have peace of mind knowing that the Best Bath team will be there to assist with engineering, ADA compliance and construction coordination.”

Best Bath Systems, based in Caldwell, Idaho, just west of Boise, is a leading American manufacturer of walk-in showers and bathtubs for residential and commercial remodels and new construction. Since 1971, Best Bath Systems has been dedicated to designing and manufacturing bathroom products that are safe for people of all abilities.

“Our goal at Best Bath Systems is to offer upscale, luxury bathing systems to anyone who is considering modifying or remodeling their bathroom,” states Gary Multanen, Best Bath Systems founder and CEO. When Multanen’s mother was not able to use her bathtub any longer, he realized what a great need there was for safe, accessible bathing units.

Multanen says, “Joining forces with Great Grabz is exactly the kind of opportunity we embrace. Our second goal is to offer products made in North America. When the opportunity presented itself to add a premium line of elegant safety bars that truly enhance the beauty of the bathroom, it made sense to move forward.”

Jeff Mooney, President of Best Bath Systems says, “We are pleased and excited with the opportunity to represent a high end product line with the reputation Great Grabz brings to the industry. Great Grabz’s product compliments our upscale bathing systems very nicely. Safety and accessibility have always been an important aspect of our business and now we can add beauty and style to the mix.” Mooney continues, “ With our distribution network, this product will be widely available through internet dealers as well as over 500 storefronts though out the US and Canada.”

iPhones, iPads, iPedicures...Oh My

If have ever had a pedicure or manicure at a busy nail salon you know that the conversations usually centers around celebrity gossip, People magazine and recipes. Well this week I was left speechless by the conversation....


Saturday afternoon there were 6 ladies in the salon ranging in age from 55 to 75. Everyone had an iPhone or an iPad on their lap while getting their pedicures, fills and manicures. As I sat back and listened, I realized that the very animated conversations were about the new features on of the iPhone 4S, Skyping with grand kids at college and how to download Apps.  


Baby Boomers are changing the world and they using technology to do it. What is next the iPedicure?


In the spirit of the Nail Salon Chatter:  


Eye Reader - Stop squinting at restaurant menus or trying to read your theater program in the dark. The Eye Reader lets you use your iPhone 4's LED light to magnify and illumine small print. (iPhone4; 1.99)


G Park – For those times when it comes to finding your car in a huge parking lot or deck. Just set your location before you leave your car and the app will get you back with pinpoint accuracy. Great for the Airport! (iPhone; .99)

It Takes A Village to Age In Place

What will it take to successfully Age In Place? It will take a village.

NextDoor.com is a social networking site that has incredible potential for people of all ages. Many communities around the country have initiatives to connect residents, but this site allows neighbors to communicate in any weather and from the safety of their homes when mobility is an issue.  

• Does anyone have a tool?
• Babysitter needed...
• Can someone help change my light bulb?
• How are you doing in this storm?

I live in a rural area where I rarely get to see my neighbors. This would be a far more effective way to stay in touch, find lost pets and increase neighborhood safety. The world is changing and here is technology to make every community feel a little more "small town".

Is your Haunted House Accessible?

Make sure your Haunted House is Accessible for all of your guests

by including Great Grabz's Glow in the Dark Grab Bars.

Friday Photos

1600 Dots....2000 More to Go

In the Field on Firday

An Abbie Joan Job



Have a Great Weekend!

8 Great Bathroom Makeover Ideas

 Here are some 8 great ways to update a bathroom of any size. Every bathroom can look fashion forward with a bit of color and design.

 1. Remove old medicine cabinets and install decorative tiles with glass shelves for guest amenities. $$$

 2. Install a decorative wood frame around your mirror. Picture frame molding can give the mirror a look of elegance. (Tip - Paint the back of the wood black to avoid a shadow line.) $$$

3. Remove old glass enclosure and replace with clear frameless glass doors. $$

4. Cut out a few of your field tiles and insert decorative tiles to give a pop of color to a solid shower wall. 5.Repaint the room in a warm color tone. This gives everyone a healthy glow. $$

6. Replace dated Hollywood lighting with a new decorative lighting sconces. Your local home stores probably carry a great selection of cost effective lighting. $$ 

7. Install new bathroom accessories and decorative hardware. Have fun with this! Sports, animals, flowers there are so many options. $

8. Buy new bath towels to add a big pop of color. $

For more great design ideas visit http://www.abbiejoan.com/


Key:
$ - Fast and Cheap.
$$ - DIY over $50
$$$ - Requires Professional over $150